Go! & Express editor Mfundo Piliso has once again been recognised on the national stage after being named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 AVBOB Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) Excellence Awards for his investigative exposé, Dereliction and Danger.
Piliso has been shortlisted in the hard news/investigative reporting category, placing him among SA’s leading community journalists.
He is one of 10 finalists selected in the category following a rigorous adjudication process in which nearly 600 entries were evaluated by a panel of 22 judges from across the country.
The FCJ announced the finalists this week, describing the overall standard of entries as exceptionally high.
Piliso’s nomination recognises his investigative reporting for Go! & Express, where he has consistently exposed issues affecting residents across Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape.
His work has focused on uncovering failures in local government, environmental challenges and other matters of significant public interest, reinforcing the vital role of community journalism in holding those in positions of authority accountable.
Community titles manager Chris van Heerden said the company was “incredibly proud of Mfundo for securing yet another prestigious nomination”.
“Following his recent success at the Standard Bank Sikuvila Awards, being named a finalist in the hard news/ investigative reporting category at the AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards is a massive achievement.
“Mfundo consistently punches above his weight to deliver top-tier, impactful journalism to our readers,” said Van Heerden.
He said seeing Piliso’s work recognised on a national stage alongside the country’s best community journalism reflected his unwavering dedication to the craft.
“Congratulations, Mfundo — keep raising the bar!”
The winners will be announced at the FCJ Excellence Awards gala dinner, to be held at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria on August 21. Piliso’s latest nomination marks another significant milestone for Go! & Express and reflects the newspaper’s continued commitment to producing impactful, community-driven journalism that informs, investigates and gives a voice to local residents.
The recognition also underscores the growing influence of community newspapers in SA and the essential role they continue to play in uncovering stories that matter most to the communities they serve.
